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Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound
from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands
to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan
is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture,
safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its
wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air
museum with relic so well preserved for the travellers
and the curious of the day. It s action-packed with
outdoors too; take a safari on camels, elephants or
even jeeps with the Aravalis - oldest mountain range
in the backdrop, or caress on the sloppy sand dunes,
or trail a tiger or just on wetland. Or you can choose
to pamper yourself lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan
has something for everyone, just choose your activity.

Rajasthan - a land of forts
& Palaces

The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries,
and were a major force to reckon with medieval India. Passionately
attached to their land, family and honour, the Rajputs treated
war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of
conduct. Myths and legends of their valour, gallantry, sacrifice
and courage are legion. There are many heroes among the
Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought successfully
against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain
(1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the
following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly
withstood the might of the Mughal, and continued to raid
on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his
son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to
Mughal rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most
of the leading Rajput clans finally married into Mughal
royalty and nobility, and went into direct State service
of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of
the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able
to consolidate and expand his empire because of his close
ties with the proud Rajputs, the men who made formidable
enemies and also steadfast and loyal friends.
At the time of independence on 15th august 1947, Rajasthan
was known Rajputana (country of Rajputs). It comprised of
18 Princely States, two chieftains and a British administered
province of Ajmer-Merwara besides a few pockets and territories
outside its main boundaries.

It took seven stages to form Rajasthan as defined today.
In March 1948 the Matsya Union comprising of Alwar, Bharatpur,
Dholpur and Karauli was formed. Also in March '48 Banswara,
Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Kota, Pratapgarh,
Shahpura and Tonk joined the Indian union and formed a part
of Rajasthan. In April '48 Udaipur joined the state and
the Maharana of Udaipur was made Rajpramukh. Therefore in
1948 the merger of south and southeastern states was almost
complete. Still retaining their independence from India
were Jaipur and the desert kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur
and Jaisalmer. From a security point of view, it was vital
to the new Indian Union to ensure that the desert kingdoms
were integrated into the new nation. The princes finally
agreed to sign the Instrument of Accession, and the kingdoms
of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur were merged in
March 1949. This time the Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh
II was made the Rajpramukh of the state and Jaipur became
its capital. Later in 1949, the United State of Matsya,
comprising the former kingdoms of Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli
and Dholpur, was incorporated into Rajasthan. On January
26th 1950, 18 states of united Rajasthan merged with Sirohi
to join the state leaving Abu and Dilwara to remain a part
of Greater Bombay and now Gujarat.

In November 1956 under the State Re-organisation Act, 1956
the erstwhile part 'C' State of Ajmer, Abu Road Taluka,
former part of princely State Sirohi (which were merged
in former Bombay), State and Sunel Tappa region of the former
Madhya Bharat merged with Rajasthan and Sirohi sub district
of Jhalawar was transferred to Madhya Pradesh. Thus giving
the existing boundary Rajasthan. Today with further reorganisation
of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
Rajasthan has become the largest state of the Indian Republic.

The princes of the former kingdoms were constitutionally
granted handsome remuneration in the form of privy purses
and privileges to assist them in the discharge of their
financial obligations. In1970, Indira Gandhi, who was then
the Prime Minister of India, commenced under-takings to
discontinue the privy purses, which were abolished in 1971.
Many of the former princes still continue to use the title
of Maharaja but the title has little else power other than
status symbol. Many of the Maharajas still hold their palaces
and have converted them into profitable hotel while some
have made good in politics. The democratically elected Government
runs the state with a Chief Minister as its executive head
and the Governor as the head of the state.

Rajasthan is a vibrant state where tradition and history
blend with contemporary life styles. People are proud
of their heritage and yet open to change western values.

Modern Rajasthan is bringing in amenities like elsewhere
in the world. It has remarkable roads and transport systems.
Its roads are trafficked by some of latest cars and buses,
rickshaws, camel carts and horse drawn tongas as well
as improvised tempos. The markets are lined with a shopping
extravaganza with some of its store being very posh.